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I have a lot of experience with trying wind shields. The sport type on an older Softail, the larger one, like you have on a 2004 Low Rider, and of course about 6 different wind shields on a Street Glide.
I wear a FF helmet to travel and every wind shield I've owned has caused wind buffeting which resulted in blurred vision and headaches. I'd much rather clean steady air and a removable back rest for longer rides.
I'm on a Low Rider, I chose this bike for around town and short trips. I decided when I traded my 2014 Street Glide that I am not a long distance touring guy, never was. I have just as much fun working on the bike as I do riding so usually I end up with a lot of gear and low miles.
Cafe fairing FTW. You really have to like the look though. Some do, some dont. I do, so its perfect for me. Gets the wind off my chest, making highway speeds less tiring, yet keeps your head in clear, buffet free air. Also keeps the Im on a motorcycle feel, unlike being behind a giant fairing or windshield. But dont get me wrong, larger windshields also have their benefits - at this point in my life I wouldnt go for a 1000 mile ride behind a cafe fairing given the choice. My Road King would win the long trip choice for sure. But it can be hard to find the right one.
Ive tried many, many different windshields on my various Dynas. Short ones, tall ones, handlebar mounted fly screens, but none of them havent had annoying buffeting. Then I tried the cafe and loved it.
Im not saying theres no windshield out there that will work for you. It did take me 4 tries to get the right one on my Road King, but it also included adding fangs and the lower triple tree deflector. But once I got it right, its great. Again, thats a different bike and was never able to get that on a cruiser.
I remember once on my Low Rider I was going upstate behind a 22 windshield and after about 10 min I pulled over and tossed the shield under an overpass because I couldnt take the hammering. Went back the next day to pick it up in my cage.
Cafe fairing FTW. You really have to like the look though. Some do, some dont. I do, so its perfect for me. Gets the wind off my chest, making highway speeds less tiring, yet keeps your head in clear, buffet free air. Also keeps the Im on a motorcycle feel, unlike being behind a giant fairing or windshield. But dont get me wrong, larger windshields also have their benefits - at this point in my life I wouldnt go for a 1000 mile ride behind a cafe fairing given the choice. My Road King would win the long trip choice for sure. But it can be hard to find the right one.
Ive tried many, many different windshields on my various Dynas. Short ones, tall ones, handlebar mounted fly screens, but none of them havent had annoying buffeting. Then I tried the cafe and loved it.
Im not saying theres no windshield out there that will work for you. It did take me 4 tries to get the right one on my Road King, but it also included adding fangs and the lower triple tree deflector. But once I got it right, its great. Again, thats a different bike and was never able to get that on a cruiser.
I remember once on my Low Rider I was going upstate behind a 22 windshield and after about 10 min I pulled over and tossed the shield under an overpass because I couldnt take the hammering. Went back the next day to pick it up in my cage.
Anyway, wind abatement can be a challenge.
Funny, I rode to Virginia to visit my sister with a Harley sport shield on my 87' Softail. When I arrived I pulled the shield off and put it in her trash.
I like trying different gear, something like a café screen, would want it to be relatively easy to remove.
Funny, I rode to Virginia to visit my sister with a Harley sport shield on my 87' Softail. When I arrived I pulled the shield off and put it in her trash.
I like trying different gear, something like a café screen, would want it to be relatively easy to remove.
The Memphis Shades comes off in two seconds with their QR mount. Though it leaves 4 rings on the fork tubes. Not very obtrusive though. The HD Quarter Fairing can be made to fit using HD QR windshield clamps, with a Bung King adapter kit. But its a lot more money. However it gives the option of getting locking clamps which the MS doesn't. You'll also likely want to get it painted to match. A black fairing on that white paint probably won't look right.
Give one a try - I guarantee you'll like what it does.
I fit the definition for a "cruiser"--mostly local with a few short trips. I also need to make adjustments for my 5'7" body. So, my initial additions were
1. the HD 4" riser that moves the handlebars up 2" and back 2",
2. a Mustang Wide Tripper solo seat,
3. HD low/wide 14" Wind Splitter Windshield,
4. the Motherwell solo seat luggage rack, and
5. HD wide-angle mirrors (much better in traffic to see behind me).
I also added a black case guard and the HD Dominion mini-floorboards & shifter peg.
Love the fit and feel of the bike. Perfect for my needs.
Last edited by Las Vegas Jim; Jul 27, 2019 at 08:29 AM.
Reason: Added one more line.
16 inch on my farings has served me well . I also liked the HD Quarter. My 86 FXR I ran a couple differnt windshield with no issues. Whatever fits us best..
16 inch on my farings has served me well . I also liked the HD Quarter. My 86 FXR I ran a couple differnt windshield with no issues. Whatever fits us best..
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